East Asian manufacturing firms signal return to growth in June June 23, 2014 Industrial companies in China and Japan reported that business expansion had restarted again this month, after periods of stagnation and contraction. HSBC’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for the Chinese manufacturing sector registered a score of 50.8, above the mark that signals an expansion for the first time since the end of last year. [...]
China manufacturing sector shows first growth since December June 23, 2014 The Chinese manufacturing sector grew in June for the first time in six months, according to a report from HSBC/Markit. The growth drove up the price of commodities, with iron ore and copper futures among the risers. A rise in commodity prices is boosting the Australian mining sector, with shares in Rio Tinto, Fortesque Metals [...]
The perfect fit: Meet Girl Meets Dress co-founder Xavier de Lecaros Aquise June 23, 2014 Harriet Green talks true grit with Girl Meets Dress co-founder Xavier de Lecaros Aquise. Advocates of the sharing economy, otherwise known as collaborative consumption, claim that it is finally reaching a mainstream audience. Earlier this month, for example, the government announced reforms to outdated legislation, ending long-running questions over the legal status of ultra short-term [...]
As a leading Chinese banker says Brexit would not be disastrous, are the warnings overdone? June 20, 2014 Ruth Lea, economic adviser to the Arbuthnot Banking Group, says Yes. Wang Hongzhang’s comments are welcome and significant. As chairman of the huge China Construction Bank (CCB), named as the first Chinese bank designated for offshore renminbi trading in London, he cannot be ignored. By observing that “it is the age of globalisation”, he pinpoints [...]
As a leading Chinese banker says Brexit would not be disastrous, are the warnings overdone? June 20, 2014 Ruth Lea, economic adviser to the Arbuthnot Banking Group, says Yes. Wang Hongzhang’s comments are welcome and significant. As chairman of the huge China Construction Bank (CCB), named as the first Chinese bank designated for offshore renminbi trading in London, he cannot be ignored. By observing that “it is the age of globalisation”, he pinpoints [...]
Asian markets climb after upbeat Fed comments June 19, 2014 Asian markets are up after positive comments from both the Federal Reserve and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, with the situation in Iraq failing to dampen optimism. The US central bank has indicated that rates will remain low for some time to come after a two-day policy review. The remarks sent the S&P 500 to a [...]
London gets its first renminbi clearing bank June 18, 2014 BRITISH businesses and traders will get more access to Chinese markets after the China Construction Bank (CCB) was yesterday appointed the UK’s first renminbi (RMB) clearing bank. The Bank of England signed the deal with CCB, meaning that firms in Britain would be able to clear currency trades through a bank in the UK. It is [...]
Rolls-Royce to collaborate with Chinese nuclear reactor vendors June 18, 2014 UK engineering giant Rolls-Royce yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with CGN, the Chinese nuclear reactor vendor. The Rolls-Royce-CGN deal will open the way to collaboration in nuclear engineering support, the supply of emergency diesel generators and supply chain management, and comes just a day after Rolls-Royce inked a deal with CGN’s rival, SNPTC. China [...]
London signs slew of deals to foster renminbi trading June 17, 2014 THE LONDON Stock Exchange (LSE) yesterday inked agreements with two of China’s biggest banks to give businesses in China greater access to UK capital markets. The group said it had signed memorandums of understanding with Agricultural Bank of China and the Bank of China to boost London’s role as a hub for the burgeoning offshore [...]
Stock market correction: How to protect yourself from losses June 17, 2014 Income can help you weather any volatility, but be wary of bonds AFTER a stellar few years for global stock markets, concerns are growing over a looming correction. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, FTSE 100 and MSCI All-World share index have all been at or near record highs in recent weeks, and valuations [...]